Musculoskeletal

Question 1

What are some acute and chronic causes of cauda equina?

Answer 1

Acute: Fracture, massive disk herniation, haematoma

Chronic: Abcess, tumour, mets, ankylosing spondylitis

Question 2

Spinal stenosis the the narrowing of intervertebral foraminae causing nerve root irritation. What is the a common complication of?

Answer 2

Degenerative joint disease

Question 3

What is spondylisthesis?

Answer 3

fracture at pars reticularis causing vertebral body to slip forward compressing L4/L5

Question 4

What are the backpain red flags?

Answer 4

TUNA FISH

T = Trauma
U = Unexplained weight loss
N = Neurologic Symptoms
A = Age > 50

F = Fever
I = IVDU
S = Steroid Use
H = History of cancer (prostate, renal, breast, lung)

Question 5

What nerve roots are damaged in Cauda equina?

Answer 5

Below L2

Question 6

What are the 4 stages of bone fracture healing?

Answer 6

1 week = haematoma formation
1-2 weeks = Soft callus
2-6 weeks = Hard Callus
>6 weeks = Remodelling

Question 7

What are some yellow flags of back pain?

Answer 7

• Belief pain and activity is harmful
• Continuing compensation claims
• Work problems / poor job satisfaction
• Psychological stress / mental health problems

Question 8

How can you manage a lumbar disc herniation?

Answer 8

Conservatively for 6-8 weeks
Epidural corticosteroid injection
Oral corticosteroids
Neuropathic pain options
Surgical